Thoughts on the creative process, quilting, fabrics, and living life in the Southern U.S.A.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Something new

I know it is early for new year's resolutions but I think if I start now there is less pressure so a better chance I may actually stick with it! During my long drive to quilting yesterday I decided to try and do 4 new things every week. (I considered one a day but then I'd start counting things like trying a new candybar...not the spirit of what I'm trying for!)

For instance yesterday I followed signs from the main (think rural 2 lane highway in the states) road to a farmstand that I had never been to before and there had "bubble and squeek" and the first time! Combined they count as 1 something new! Too many of the Americans I've met over here quickly get into a rut...they shop at the same places, travel to the same places, eat at the same places. Yikes. It is so easy to get too comfortable. OK, I'll still let myself stop at the Crucis pub/restaurant on the way back from Fairford (they have great wines, quiche and chocolate torte to die for....) but not every time I'm on the road. Besides the stop yesterday gave me a chance to pick up some presents to bring back to the states next month - Tewkesbury Mustard, Tomato Chutney with Sundried Tomatoes and Smoked Garlic, and Indian Chutney.

Sunday night I put the border on the spaceman quilt. Some of you recognized the alien fabric...it is at least 8 years old - not that there is anything wrong with that! Just another reason why I should get this finished soon! I am happy to say no fabric was purchased in the making of this quilt - it all came out of the stash. (why does it feel like I didn't buy fabric for a quilt when it comes out of stash...of course I bought it at some point!!! I visited a quilt shop here and was shocked when I realized I had almost as much fabric in my quilting room as they did in the store!) I did however order enough batting from Hancocks of P. to finish at least 2-3 quilts.

So does stash reduction become another resolution? It should....that is a tough one though. Fabric is my favorite part of quilting. Maybe if I just limit myself to purchasing only for a specific project? But then I woun't make a dent in the current mountain. Just yesterday I got a package from my sister with the fabric in the photo on the left. I left the fabric, about 9 yards in all, at her house this summer. I don't have the slightest idea what I was planning to do with it! Maybe I will do a trial 3 month fabric diet? Wait, do I get to buy some of that chocolate fabric first?!

6 comments:

OOOO I like those Amy Butler prints. I have yet to succumb to that temptation. I am far closer to falling prey to the chocolate temptation! (Unfortunately for me Amy Butler also made pink & brown prints...)

I love your idea of doing new things every week. It would be a shame to waste all of those opportunities.I was pondering the size and cost of my stash as well and feeling a little guilty. A friend, similarly afflicted with stash, and I were discussing all of the worse vices we could have. We don't smoke. We don't drink excessively. We don't own tons of designer clothes. We choose to spend our money on fabric. Even if we never use it it has made us happy and enriched our lives. It's fun to arrange, fold and generally fondle. There is no better feeling than finishing a quilt completely from stash. I have made the decision to be happy with my stash and use it or add to it as it suits me. To me it's better than spending my money on other things. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.)

Oh can I agonize along with you and your dilemma. So many marvelous new fabrics - love the Chocolat line! - but I have enough fabric now to last 10 lifetimes. It would be so much easier if I was really short on money. I'm really trying to strengthen my resolve.

About Me

AQS certified Quilt Appraiser and lecturer. For over 25 years I have been collecting quilts and making my interpretation of them. I'll try any type of handwork from applique through red-work to piecing.